Battlestate Games, the developer of Escape From Tarkov, has implemented a new anti-cheat measure, offering in-game currency to players who report cheaters. This initiative, part of the latest 0.14.9.5 patch, aims to incentivize the community to help combat cheating by rewarding successful reports that lead to bans.
The patch notes state, “Players will receive in-game currency compensation after the report that led to the blocking of the violator. Compensation comes with an in-game message informing of a successful report. Compensation for several successful reports will be combined.” Although details such as the exact amount of the compensation and the criteria for a successful report are not fully disclosed, the move is seen as a positive step towards addressing the ongoing issue of cheating in the game.
This strategy isn’t entirely novel; it mirrors a suggestion from a Reddit user over a year ago and is similar to a program implemented by Yager in The Cycle: Frontier. Despite skepticism about Battlestate’s ability or willingness to execute such a plan, the introduction of this bounty system indicates a commitment to tackling the cheating problem.
In addition to the new bounty system, the recent patch also includes significant changes to NPC AI behavior. AI-controlled PMCs will now be more aggressive, reactive, and communicative. They can travel anywhere within a location, sprint across open terrain, and respond when other bots spot the player. While many players view these changes positively, some express concerns that the AI might become too challenging.
The patch also addresses the controversial PvE mode introduced in April, finally enabling offline play. Battlestate Games announced on Twitter that the mode will be available for purchase for all Escape From Tarkov owners within 1-2 weeks after ensuring the game’s infrastructure is stable and ready.
